The Folprechts Were Already Involved with Škoda Back in the L&K Days
The Folprecht family has been working at the Mladá Boleslav plant for almost as long as the plant itself has existed. The first member of the family joined the company 111 years ago and helped manufacture parts for L&K cars. Today, his great-grandson Jakub carries on the family tradition, working on the development of generators and batteries. He told us about his Škoda family in an interview.
Jakub Folprecht
We Were There Almost from the Very Beginning
They have proof that their family has been connected to the carmaker for 111 years. Jakub is already the fourth generation, and he is simply waiting to see where the path leads for his son Matyáš, who is currently studying at a vocational school.
Jakub Folprecht
Development Generators and Batteries
EEB/2 – Low Voltage Energy Systems
Although his ancestors worked in a variety of roles at the carmaker – from mechanics and commercial-technical services to quality – Jakub has a passion for both engineering and electronics. "I work in Technical Development, so I cannot share specific projects, but I am involved in developing new, continuously evolving cars," he says.
How far back does your family's history at the carmaker go?
The first to work at the carmaker was my great-grandfather Oldřich Folprecht, born in 1900. He completed primary and secondary school, then a trade school, before training as a metal turner at L&K from 1915 to 1917. We still have his original apprenticeship certificate. He went on to work at the carmaker first as a setter and later as a foreman, right up until his retirement in 1960. He was later followed by my grandfather and father, both named Miroslav.
What specifically did your great-grandfather and grandfather work on?
I believe Oldřich may have worked on producing components for the Voiturette A and other cars made during that era. Grandfather Miroslav started out on gearboxes and later moved into engine production. He began on the "MB".
When you grow up in a family where the carmaker and its cars have been talked about for more than a hundred years, you take it as a natural part of your life.
Is there a family story connected with the carmaker that has been passed down?
I think it would be the car itself, even though my great-grandfather never owned one. Grandfather Miroslav, as the second generation of Škoda Auto employees, had several. His first was a Popular, followed by a Spartak, a Garde, and a Favorit. His garage was on the verge of collapse, but his cars were always spotlessly clean and polished.
First in the Family
"Great-grandfather Oldřich trained as a metal turner at L&K between 1915 and 1917. We even have his original apprenticeship certificate," says Jakub.
The Third Generation
"My father Miroslav keeps himself busy even in retirement – he has already restored several bicycles and mopeds. The most precious pieces are on display in his mini museum at home in Kosmonosy."
What do you think connects all the generations of your family who have worked at Škoda Auto?
Probably above all our hometown, Mladá Boleslav – and, for at least the last three generations, working for a company that has celebrated 130 years and whose very beginnings we were almost part of.
Do you remember the moment you first realised you wanted to work here one day?
Even before finishing primary school, I had made up my mind – I knew I wanted to work in automotive engineering. When I got into electrical engineering and had the chance to do a placement in development during my studies, that was probably the moment that decided it.
Family tradition naturally played a role as well.
My great-grandfather worked in mechanics. My grandfather was a foreman in engine assembly at M2. My father started in the engine test department at M2, then moved into commercial and technical services, where he even represented the Škoda brand in Austria through Motokov. After returning, he worked until retirement in the GQM department as a pre-series vehicle quality specialist.
How would you briefly describe your work?
I spend a lot of time on administration and communicating with colleagues in India from Volkswagen and SEAT, as well as with various suppliers from around the world. I also work in the workshop and occasionally test cars in different countries and conditions on business trips.
How do you usually unwind after a demanding working day?
I relax by working. So, when I get home, I make myself a good coffee, spend a little time with the family, and then head to the workshop to make something. Otherwise, I enjoy cycling and skiing.
Which Škoda car would you choose for a trip around the world?
I would probably go for the Kodiaq, but then again, driving an older car without control units – one you could fix on the spot – would be a bigger adventure.
Where would you like to go on a road trip?
I would love to drive the full length of the old Route 66, which stretches roughly 2,448 miles – about 3,940 kilometres – and passes through eight American states.
And what place nearby would you recommend to colleagues?
I have a favourite cycling route: a loop from Mladá Boleslav along the cycle path through Řepov to Bousov and Sobotka, then back towards Střehom, where there is a lovely uphill walk to Dobšín. From there you can take the shorter road home to Kosmonosy via Studénka, or the longer route via Branžež to Bakov. You can also continue further along the Jizera river to Debř. Along the way there are beautiful spots, places to stop, and good refreshments.
The Most Beautiful Car
"Among the historic cars, I love the Felicia in red. The curves of that car are stunning, and it's a model I would very much love to own," Jakub confides.
Škoda Classic Tour
"I enjoy taking part in this event, even though I don't actually own a historic Škoda, but rather a VW Type 1 Käfer (Beetle). The car is from 1968 and my father and I restored it together," adds Jakub.
The Š Generation